Tourism Today: Learning To Be Better Hosts
We at the Lawrence County Tourist Promotion Agency (TPA) would like to welcome you to our column where it is our goal to help you learn about what we do and how we do it. First our mission is to encourage, support and advise on issues concerning tourism related economic growth, suitable for the best interests of the area, by providing a positive atmosphere through education, promotion and cooperation. Did you know that tourism is the 2nd largest industry in Lawrence County and 1st in the state of Pennsylvania. The TPA is very proud of Lawrence County and we have spent years marketing it to those living outside of the county.
Our latest marketing campaign includes twelve monthly itineraries with the tagline “Find Your Focus in Lawrence County”. Each month gives an overview of events/attractions/things for year round fun, which then prompts the reader to go to VisitLawrenceCounty.com for more information. This is not just focused on the visitor but the resident as well. The campaign suggests the visitor/resident relax, unwind and get back to simpler times. After all, you were smart before your smart phone. It’s time to focus on family. Focus on nature. Focus on yourself. Find your focus in Lawrence County.
Along with the itineraries, there is an interactive passport program, which gives the visitor the ability to check-in at businesses throughout the county. Each participating business will display a QR Code. Once the code has been scanned with a smartphone, the holder will be asked to register to earn points and win prizes. For a listing of participating members, go to the member portion of our website. This is a great way to engage with your community.
New Castle has most recently become one of only three in PA and 26 in the nation to become designated a “Safe Community” and also home to the 3rd largest historic district in Pennsylvania. That is something to brag about. Let’s look at our 5th largest old order Amish Sect, too! More and more people are coming in from the Pittsburgh area just to tour the simple life, eat our wonderful foods, shop and peruse our history, culture, and recreational avenues.
Visitors often remark on the beauty of Lawrence County. They talk highly of their experience with local businesses, events, people, and overall how much they enjoyed their stay. The more we know, the better hosts we all will be.
